Sultan Al Qasimi attends Sharjah Cultural Morning in Paris

PARIS, 18th March, 2018 (WAM) -- H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, stressed his support for the Arab World Institute in Paris and its many activities, cultural events and scientific projects, which aim to improve the co-operation and cultural ties between the Arab world and France. Sheikh Sultan made his statement during the Sharjah Cultural Morning event that was held at the institute, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of the Emirates Publishers Association and Kalimat Group. Sheikh Sultan highlighted his distinguished relationship with the Arab World Institute in Paris and its president, Jack Lang, which he described as strong and sincere, having the mutual aim of advancing cultural ties between various communities. He added that the UAE, represented by the Government of Abu Dhabi, is a key supporter of the institute, while affirming his support through cultural and scientific projects. Sheikh Sultan also called upon Arab countries to promote Arab culture and teach others about its rich heritage, culture, knowledge and science, by participating in international cultural forums. He confirmed that cultural institutions in Sharjah are working, as part of a cultural programme, to support artists, creators and intellectuals in the Arab world and other countries, including Arab intellectuals in Paris. Lang welcomed Sheikh Sultan and described him as a friend and a man of culture, while praising his efforts to serve culture and intellectuals in the UAE and the Arab world, and highlighting his role in promoting cooperation between Arab culture and other cultures, especially French culture. The ceremony began with the arrival of Sheikh Sultan at the institute, where he was received by senior officials, members of the Arab diplomatic corps, chief editors of local media institutions, and officials from local and federal departments. He was warmly welcomed and also greeted by the Sharjah National Art Heritage Group. Sheikh Sultan visited the institute's pavilions and learned about the "Pledge a Library" initiative, organised by the Kalimat Group, which aim to provide books for children in crisis situations and Arab refugee communities around the world. Sheikh Sultan also visited the Arab World Institute Library. The largest library about the Arab world in France, it houses more than 100,000 books, audio-visual materials, maps, documents and manuscripts in five languages – Arabic, French, English, German and Spanish. Sheikh Sultan presented the library with a collection of his literary works and historical books.